The Australian government launched its first gender equality strategy for Vietnam on Monday. The strategy outlines Australia’s support for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the country.
The strategy will be implemented by Australia’s diplomatic missions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City between 2016 and 2020 and cover all Australian government agencies in Vietnam under a co-ordinated approach.
The strategy highlights Australia’s priorities for improving the quality of life for women and girls in Vietnam, and supports the Vietnamese government in implementing its National Gender Equality Strategy 2011-2020.
The strategy focuses on enhancing women’s voice in decision-making and leadership, promoting women’s economic empowerment, and ending violence against women and girls.
According to Australian Ambassador Craig Chittick, gender equality is an important social policy priority for Vietnam.
“Women bring particular perspectives, priorities and strengths from their own life experiences that contribute to the development of businesses, communities and the nation," Chittick said. "Australia’s investment in women and girls in Vietnam will be an important contribution to Vietnam achieving its social and economic development objectives”.
Promoting women’s economic empowerment, including among ethnic minorities, is one of the three pillars of Australia’s development programme. With more than USD10 million invested in dedicated gender-related programming over the past few years, Australia is already one of the largest donors for advancing gender equality in Vietnam, and the strategy ensures that the contribution will be focused and purposeful.
The launch of the strategy rounded off a significant day for Australia in promoting gender equality. In the morning, the Australian government hosted a Women in Leadership Forum as part of the Australian aid program’s human resources programme. The forum was designed to foster an exchange of ideas on how to integrate a focus on women’s leadership through the Australian scholarship and human resources development programme, and how Australia can collaborate with local partners to promote women’s career aspirations.
